FREDERICTON, New Brunswick – New statistics show gambling was a factor in the suicides of at least 18 New Brunswickers since 1995.

Six of the deaths occurred in the last two years.

The Leader of the provincial New Democratic Party, Elizabeth Weir, said Tuesday she suspects the numbers are actually much higher.

She said the toll of suicide is continuing to climb because of problem gambling and she accused the provincial government of not doing anything about it.

Public Safety Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney said gambling was cited as one of the factors in the deaths – but it may have been only one of many factors.

She said the province has become involved in a partnership with Quebec on a two-year study into the issue of suicide and hopes the results will point to the right approach.

Weir also wanted to know if Atlantic Lottery officials are targeting young people to become gamblers.

Finance Minister Peter Mesheau said selling lottery tickets to minors is illegal and added that if Weir has evidence of stores breaking the law, she should speak up.